Cast News: Bank of Dave The Musical World Premiere

06-03-26

A brand new British musical inspired by one of the UK’s most unlikely heroes is taking its next big step. Initial casting has been revealed for the world premiere of Bank of Dave The Musical, which will open in May 2026 at Lowry in Salford before playing Curve in Leicester.

The production brings together an exciting creative team led by book and lyricist Rob Madge and composer Pippa Cleary, two voices who have already made a major impact on modern British musical theatre. Direction comes from Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, whose recent credits include Kinky Boots and A Chorus Line.

Now audiences have their first look at the performers bringing Dave Fishwick’s remarkable story to life.

Hayley Tamaddon will play Nicky. Tamaddon is well known to television audiences for her roles as Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street, while theatre fans will recognise her from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Joining her is Lucca Chadwick-Patel as Hugh, following acclaimed performances in Mean Girls in the West End and My Beautiful Laundrette.

The company also features Claire Moore as Maureen. Moore is a musical theatre powerhouse whose career spans decades, from originating Ellen in Miss Saigon to her Olivier Award nominated performance in The Girls. Completing the initial cast announcement is Lauryn Redding as Alex, following appearances in Standing at the Sky’s Edge in the West End and Coven at the Kiln Theatre.

One key role remains under wraps for now. Casting for the title character, Dave Fishwick himself, will be announced later.

For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Dave Fishwick is not your typical musical theatre protagonist. A self made businessman from Burnley, he became famous for challenging Britain’s banking system by founding a community focused bank that would lend money to local people and small businesses when traditional banks refused.

The story first captured public attention through Dave’s bestselling memoir and a BAFTA winning documentary. It later became a global hit through the Netflix film Bank of Dave. Now the underdog tale is heading to the stage with a new score and a strong dose of northern humour.

Producers promise a show packed with heart, grit and laughter. The musical follows Dave as he leaves Burnley for London alongside principled lawyer Hugh, determined to challenge the powerful banking establishment. As he takes on the financial elite, the question becomes whether the City’s gatekeepers will allow an outsider to change the system.

The creative credentials behind the project suggest something special is brewing. Rob Madge’s recent work, including My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?), has been widely celebrated for its wit and emotional honesty. Composer Pippa Cleary has already delivered standout musical theatre scores including The Great British Bake Off Musical.

With the world premiere set for two major regional venues and a creative team rooted firmly in contemporary British theatre, Bank of Dave The Musical looks poised to become one of the most intriguing new musical premieres of 2026.

And if Dave Fishwick’s own description proves true, audiences can expect a show with plenty of laughs, plenty of heart, and perhaps a few well deserved digs at bankers along the way.

Get tickets from the official site HERE